The Dental Lighthouse with Dr. Jason Tanoory

Is Demoting My Lead Hygienist the Beginning of the End?

In this focused coaching call, we tackle two critical leadership challenges in dental practices: how to handle a misaligned lead hygienist and what to do with underperforming associates.
First, we unpack the emotional and strategic steps for demoting a team member who no longer wants a leadership role—without hurting culture or morale. Then, we shift to actionable strategies for managing low-producing associates, including setting clear goals, using data-driven scorecards, and improving case acceptance through coaching and video reviews.
If you’re navigating tough conversations and team performance issues, this episode offers practical tools and real-world insight to help you lead with clarity and confidence.

What Hill Are You Dying On?

In this episode of The Dental Lighthouse, Jason reflects on a recent conversation with a prospective coaching client who was struggling with team turnover. What began as a discussion about numbers turned into a deeper look at leadership habits—specifically, the small, persistent issues we choose to address and whether they’re truly worth the energy. Jason challenges listeners to ask themselves, "Is this a hill I’m willing to die on?" and introduces a helpful framework to filter those decisions through the lens of patient experience and core values.
He also draws parallels to parenting and personal growth, highlighting the importance of self-restraint and thoughtful leadership. Whether it’s a misplaced mirror in the operatory or a workout with his teenage son, Jason explores how growth often happens in the pause between reaction and response. This episode is a must-listen for anyone leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to become a more intentional version of themselves.

How Are Your 1:1's Going? Part Two

In Part Two of How Are Your 1:1’s Going?, we dive deeper into mastering effective one-on-one meetings and formal reviews that truly support your team’s growth and accountability. This episode covers essential strategies for conducting meaningful performance conversations, including how to evaluate core values using Gino Wickman’s EOS framework and how to approach compensation with fairness and fiscal responsibility.
Learn how to set clear expectations, give constructive feedback regularly, not just during formal reviews, and avoid blindsiding team members. We also discuss how to document goals and commitments to ensure continuous development and how to balance rewarding top performers while managing your practice’s financial health.
Whether you’re leading assistants, hygienists, or other team members, this episode will give you practical guidance to elevate your one-on-one meetings and help your team succeed.

How Are Your 1:1's Going?

In this episode, Jason dives into the importance of monthly informal one-on-one meetings and how they can transform team communication and performance. He explains how using self-assessments can create space for honest conversations between leaders and team members, especially when there are gaps in perception. These meetings offer a chance to give timely feedback, clarify expectations, and support growth in a consistent and approachable way.
Jason also addresses common objections like not having enough time, managing too many people, or believing feedback isn't necessary if someone is "just doing their job." He explains why those are excuses and outlines how to build regular check-ins into your ideal week. This episode is full of practical advice for leaders who want to build stronger, more accountable teams through consistent and caring communication.

Let's Really Deal with Our Phone Addiction

In this episode, Jason shares a powerful personal journey sparked by a trip to Croatia that completely shifted his relationship with technology. From being the guy who prided himself on instant replies and 24/7 connectivity, to someone who now deliberately disconnects. Jason walks you through the exact mindset and habits that helped him reclaim his time, focus, and presence.
He dives into why our obsession with being constantly available might actually be hurting the people who matter most, and how “batching,” time-blocking, and even a little tool called Brick can be game changers.
Whether you're just noticing your phone habits or you already know you're too plugged in, this episode offers a real-world perspective, a few laughs, and a practical challenge: take all that junk off your phone and be really present.
💡 Mentioned in this episode:
BRICK phone-blocking tool 
Jason’s blog post on batching & ideal week
Try it for one week—you may be surprised by how much more life you find when you’re not looking at your screen.

What’s the Best Way to Screen Prospective Associate Docs?

In this episode, Jason breaks down the associate doctor screening process that his team has developed through years of trial and error. From building a strong pipeline of potential candidates to the exact steps he takes for initial Zoom interviews, FAQ vetting, and in-person meetings, Jason shares the nuts and bolts of how to avoid hiring mistakes. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your current approach, this episode offers a practical, real-world framework to help you find the right fit for your growing practice.

Do You Have a Morning Routine?

Is a morning routine really that important? In this solo episode, Jason shares a behind-the-scenes look at his own morning routine that has remained consistent for nearly a decade. From his early 4:30 AM wake-up time to his nightly wind-down habits, Jason unpacks the intentional structure that helps him start each day with clarity and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of customizing your routine based on your lifestyle and goals, while offering practical suggestions for improving sleep, staying consistent, and creating space for reflection and growth. Whether you're a parent juggling kids' schedules or just looking for more peace in your mornings, this episode is packed with actionable ideas and mindset shifts to help you find what works for you.

I'm Ready to Grow. Next Steps?

In this episode, Jason Tanoory shares a candid conversation about the realities of scaling a dental practice, highlighting the importance of building a strong leadership team, creating clarity around vision, and developing key internal roles like HR, marketing, and IT before expanding to additional locations. He reflects on lessons learned from his own growth journey, emphasizing how investing in people and structure early on reduces risk and creates a solid foundation for long-term success. The discussion also explores how leadership evolves with experience and how challenges once overwhelming become opportunities for growth and resilience.

Will My Insurance Pay for That?

In this episode of The Dental Lighthouse, host Jason Tanoory welcomes Dr. Paul Goodman, known affectionately as "Dr. Nacho," to discuss the intricacies of dental insurance and the art of managing patient expectations. With years of experience as a practicing dentist and a passion for helping other dental professionals, Dr. Goodman shares his expertise on navigating the often-confusing landscape of insurance coverage. Proven strategies to navigate tough insurance-based questions from our patients
They delve into effective communication strategies that can transform challenging conversations about treatment options and costs into opportunities for trust and understanding. Dr. Goodman emphasizes the importance of presenting clear, patient-centered solutions while balancing the realities of insurance limitations.
Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to approach insurance discussions with confidence, ensuring patients feel informed and supported in their treatment decisions. Join Jason and Dr. Goodman for this enlightening conversation filled with practical tips and the wisdom gained from years of experience in the dental field.
For more information on Dr. Goodman and his resources, visit Dental Nachos.Do you PARTICIPATE with my dental insurance?

Embezzlement... It's Coming For You

In this episode of The Dental Lighthouse, Jason Tanoory sits down with David Harris, CEO of Prosperident and the leading expert on dental embezzlement, to discuss the crucial steps every dentist should take to safeguard their practice. David shares his straightforward approach to fraud detection — starting with two essential questions about collections and deposits — and breaks down the common gaps in oversight that leave practices vulnerable. They explore why accountants aren’t responsible for catching embezzlement, how pre-employment screening can serve as an early line of defense, and what specific risks growing group practices face without dedicated financial controls. David also sheds light on the personal motives behind embezzlement and how economic cycles often fuel spikes in fraud, offering actionable advice for dentists at any stage of ownership.